Question: What do rice and almond milk taste like?  Are they better for health?

Answer: Both rice and almond milk are a bit watery if you’re used to regular milk.

Whether or not they’re better for you simply depends on your needs. Rice milk is high in carbs while almond milk is not, especially if you opt for the unsweetened version (which I would).

Rice Dream Original Nutrition Values:
Serving Size: 8 0z
Calories: 120
Protein: 1 g 
Carbs: 24 g (11 g of which is sugar)
Fat: 2.5 g

Almond Breeze Original Nutrition Values:
Serving Size: 8 oz
Calories: 60
Protein: 1 g 
Carbs: 8 g (7 g of which is sugar)
Fat: 2.5 g

Almond Breeze does have an Unsweetened version that only has 2 g of carbs and just 40 calories.

For anyone trying to lose weight, Almond Breeze’s almond milk (especially unsweetened) would be a far better option. 

On the other hand, if you’re trying to gain weight and have a hard time getting in enough calories (or carbs), then making protein shakes with Rice Dream’s rice milk would be a good option.
Overall, I like Fat-Free Calorie Countdown Dairy Beverage (as they call it). It has the same protein as regular milk but with only 3g carbs. It’s hard to find, though.

Calorie Countdown Fat Free Dairy Beverage Nutrition Values:
Serving Size: 8 oz
Calories: 45
Protein: 8 g
Carbs: 3 g
Fat: 0 g

Yours in health,

Dr Clay

Q: Is there a difference between Quick Oats and Old-Fashioned oats? 

A: Here’s exactly what Quaker has to say about that.

“Quaker Old Fashioned Oats are whole oat groats that are rolled to flatten them. They contain all parts of the oat grain including the bran, endosperm and germ portion. Quick Quaker Oats are made the same way but are simply cut into slightly smaller pieces so they cook faster.”

They go on to say…

“Instant Quaker Oats use the exact same oats, only they are rolled a little bit thinner and cut finer so that they cook very quickly. Additionally, they have some flavoring ingredients added.”

However, there is one other difference that they don’t mention, quick oats have a higher glycemic index than old-fashioned oats.  This is due to the fact that they are more readily digested and absorbed because of the smaller particle size (thus higher surface area). 

But in reality, most people should not worry about being this nit-picky.  If you’re eating oatmeal then you’re doing good - assuming you don’t add sugar, honey, and/or butter.

Yours in health,

Dr Clay

Question:  I have rolled and sprained both of my ankles. During my football season what can i do to prevent another sprain since both of my ankles are now weaker and more prone to a sprain.

Answer: The best way to “bullet-proof” your ankles from ankle sprains is to do some exercises on an unstable surface.

Start with simply balancing on one foot. Then do the same on a pad like an Airex pad. Then you can stand on both feet on a wobble board.

Again, anything where the foot is on an unstable surface will help.

Best,

Dr Clay

Question: I have a.. I guess problem. Every since I was like 8 I started developing fatty tissue around my chest…and now I have more than I want, so yeah kinda like man boobs I guess.

And its pretty embarassing u know, to have to take my shirt of and all that. The thing is I have done martial arts for more than a year now, I do pushups and lift weights and all that.

SO is it just my diet that I need to change, or something else?  Please help me get rid of my man boobs!  Thanks.

Answer: You’re certainly not alone.  Many, many men (teenagers especially) have fatty deposits (aka man boobs) around the areola and lower chest.

This typically occurs as a result of a slight hormone imbalance, often due to puberty.  As testosterone levels elevate in young men, some end up converting too much of the “excess” testosterone into estrogen.  This estrogen leads to fatty deposits around and under the nipple area.  Clinically, this is called gynecomastia.

Many people outgrow the condition when the sex hormones return to normal.  But in some men the man boobs persist.  If this is the case, they usually have to be surgically removed.  The surgery is fairly simple and typically has a quick recovery time. 

Before you opt for surgery, however, get as lean as you can.  This will get rid of as much fat in the chest area as possible.  This often eliminates man boobs (gyno) or at least reduces the severity.  But if you’re still not happy with the shape of your chest, then I would begin looking for an experienced surgeon.

~ Dr Clay